Claude's Tradesmen

Bathroom Specialists Aberdeen

How can you offer lower prices without compromising on quality?

If you’ve gathered quotes from other companies, you’ll likely notice that our prices are far better for the same high-quality materials and scope of work. That’s not by chance—it’s because we’ve optimised every step of the process. ✅ Expertise & Efficiency We’re bathroom specialists, not general contractors. This focus means we work faster and smarter. Just like assembling an IKEA cabinet—the first time takes hours, but after fitting 50, it’s done in minutes. That level of expertise …

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What are premium products?

For certain categories, we offer the option to select premium products. These are typically branded items that feature higher specifications than standard products. In the quote we provide, you’ll find a section detailing potential upgrades. If a premium product is available as an option, you’ll be able to see the additional cost for upgrading to that premium product. …

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How do I know the price of the products?

Your quote includes a detailed breakdown of prices to make the process as straightforward as possible. For example, if your quote includes a standard thermostatic shower, you can select any option from our range of thermostatic showers, and the price will remain the same. This means you’ll receive a quote with various options, and regardless of which one you choose, the quoted price will not change. …

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Can you supply something not in your catalogues?

With certain exceptions, no. Our selection is limited because we are very careful about what we supply. While we understand that variety is important, we prioritise quality above all else. Therefore, we only offer items with which we have extensive, positive experience. We continuously monitor the market and test new products. If they meet our high standards, we add them to our catalogues. However, as a general rule, we do not supply products unless we are confident in their quality and …

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Can I supply my own items?

Yes, we can install items that you provide. However, please note that we cannot offer a warranty on products you supply. For instance, if a concealed shower you purchase fails after a few months, you would need to contact the supplier for warranty support and cover any labour costs for reinstallation. Labour costs are typically the most significant expense in a bathroom refurbishment, so please be mindful of the potential costs involved when supplying your own items. …

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Can I get a more powerful shower?

Regarding electric showers, we're usually limited to installing the same power level as your previous shower. Typically, there are two main power options: 9.5kW and 10.8kW. The 10.8kW shower requires a 45A fuse and a 10mm cable. If you have an older 6mm shower cable, we can't fit a 10.8kW shower. Upgrading the cable is an option, but it's quite a large task because the cable is thick and needs to run to the RCD box in your house. This involves significant work and often the cost is more than …

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How much grout will I have?

Generally, selecting bigger tiles means less grout is needed. We aim for thin grout lines to reduce grout usage. After calculating for various tile sizes, we found that the total grout length for our smallest tile (200x65mm) is 40 times more than that for our largest tile (1200x600mm). For a room 2 metres by 1.7 metres, fully tiled, we'll use approximately the following: Large tiles Small tiles …

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Can I have a different shower size?

Yes, don't worry too much about choosing a specific size; instead, focus on selecting a model from the options above. All showers come in different sizes, and we can choose the right size for your room. We will propose alternative sizes if the option you select will not fit properly. If you are keen on a specific size, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your preference. …

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Can I have the radiator pipes coming from the wall?

If your bathroom plumbing allows it, we can usually change where your radiator's pipes go. We can't do this with solid walls, but it's possible with plasterboard walls. This way, we can also put the radiator higher up if needed. If your pipes now come from the floor and you want them from the wall, it will cost extra. If your quote doesn't include this, just let us know, and we'll tell you the extra cost. …

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Is it possible to view the units in person?

Our unit suppliers do not operate showrooms, hence we are unable to provide physical viewings of the units. However, we can offer a comprehensive 3D design service featuring the unit of your choice. This is particularly beneficial if you opt for our top-tier package, which includes Vray renders. With this service, you'll be able to visualize how the selected unit complements other products you've chosen. …

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Could you source a product I discovered somewhere else?

Could you source a product I discovered elsewhere? We strive to offer a wide range of product options to meet your needs. If you come across an item online or in a showroom that captures your interest, please reach out to us. We will explore the possibility of finding a similar product through our trusted suppliers. Our commitment to quality is paramount, as we provide warranties on all our products. We source exclusively from dependable suppliers, ensuring longevity and reliability in our …

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Are UPVC panels better than plywood panels?

UPVC panels, compared to plywood shower panels, excel in water resistance, preventing swelling and water damage. They demand less upkeep, being easier to clean and maintain. Lighter in weight, UPVC is more straightforward to install. Consistency in appearance is another plus, compared to the variable patterns of plywood. With the added benefit of recyclability, UPVC panels emerge as a more practical and environmentally conscious choice for shower installations, particularly well-suited for the …

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What are the advantages of UPVC panels?

UPVC panels with a honeycomb structure offer a remarkable combination of lightweight construction and robust strength, paired with superior thermal and sound insulation. They are not only durable, resisting corrosion and water damage, but also require minimal maintenance. These panels are cost-effective and environmentally friendly, making them an excellent choice for a variety of applications. …

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Can I see samples of the tiles?

We don't provide samples. However, should you opt for a package that includes Vray renders, we can create a high-quality digital render of the tiles. This visualization will depict how the tiles complement the other products you have selected. If you prefer the showroom experience, you can also choose tiles from CTD tiles. You may wish to visit their showroom to personally inspect the tiles. In order to keep the price the same, choose tiles from CTD that are under £40 per square meter. These …

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Should I use epoxy grout?

Epoxy grout offers exceptional durability, superior water and stain resistance, and maintains consistent color over time, making it ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms. Unlike cement grout, it doesn't discolor significantly when wet. However, its application is more complex, typically resulting in higher labor costs. Please note that our standard service does not include epoxy grout unless explicitly stated in your quote. For a detailed estimate regarding the additional cost of using …

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Can I see the tiles in person?

We can do renders with tiles to show you how they would look like along the other products you choose. Many of the options above are from CTD tiles, you can visit their showroom and check the tiles there if you prefer to actually see the tiles first. In order to keep the price the same, please look for tiles under £40 per square meter with a surface area between 0.1 and 0.25 square meters (example sizes: 600x300, 600x200, 1200x200, 620x320) …

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Should I use epoxy grout?

Epoxy grout is the best grout you can have in a bathroom: easy to clean, flexible, not absorbent, and waterproof. In certain situations, we would only use epoxy grout: when using underfloor heating. Both of these options benefit the most from the epoxy grout properties. Unless your quote mentions epoxy grout, there will be an extra charge if you prefer epoxy grout instead of cement-based grout …

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Why don’t you offer more options?

There aren't a lot of products on the market that are good quality and reasonably priced, the products we offer are the result of years and years of bathroom fittings where we've fitted various bathroom products and learnt which products are worth buying and which are not. Since we offer a very long warranty, we will only supply products from suppliers that we have a good relationship and products that we don't usually have issues with. While you might prefer to have more options, most …

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What’s the story of this business?

Our journey started in 2014 as a small father-and-son project in Aberdeen. I was studying at the University of Aberdeen, and my father was working for a large contractor. With years of experience managing teams abroad, he felt limited in his role and wanted to lead his own projects again. At a family Christmas gathering, we decided to start our own business. With savings and a sense of adventure, my father left his job, and we began taking on small projects. Thanks to word of mouth and our …

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Do I need a floating toilet?

A wetroom is usually part of a high-end refurbishment, so you can consider using a floating toilet. This will maximise the space (since the cistern is in the wall) and make it easier to mop underneath the toilet. If the toilet is in the spray area of the shower, a floating toilet is better in terms of waterproofing. All toilets are waterproof, but if there's enough water on the floor, this can make its way underneath the toilet and then down near the soil pipe. When you have a wall mounted …

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Do I need a flipper panel?

We try as much as possible to fit a single piece of glass, this works in many situations. Where we can't fit a glass long enough (due to a variety of reasons), then you might need a flipper panel to help keep the splashes inside. As a simple rule of thumb, if we can fit at least an 1000mm long glass, then you won't need a flipper panel. For very large bathrooms, we might fit a long glass (1000mm+) with a flipper panel, but not use any end glass (for those situations where the tray is …

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Are tiles or panels better for a walk in shower?

Both options have advantages and disadvantages. One thing you should consider when having a walk in shower is the total height to the ceiling. Panels come in 2400mm and sometimes ceiling are higher than this; especially if you had a bathtub previously (where the panel sits on the bathtub), if you have a walk in shower with a tall ceiling you'll be left with a gap at the top. With tiles you don't have this issue. …

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Do I need to refurbish the whole bathroom for a walk in shower?

The walk in showers are the only partial projects we accept doing. This is because it's relatively easy to replace a bathtub with a walk in shower, as long as the tray for the shower enclosure is the same or larger than the footprint of the old bathroom. You will still have to change the panels or tiles in the shower area (since the tiles or panels on the bathtub don't go to the floor, but only to the bathtub level). …

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Do you cover all the trades?

We provide comprehensive services for every aspect of bathroom projects, ensuring you won't need to seek out any additional tradespeople for your renovation. While we specialize in all trades related to bathroom refurbishments, our focus remains exclusively on these projects. Therefore, we are unable to offer quotes for other types of work in different areas of the house. …

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Can I supply my own bathroom products?

Yes, we can accommodate this. Just bear in mind that we can't offer you any warranty on any of the products that you supply. The warranty is really important in terms of peace of mind. Let's say you buy a concealed shower that fails. Although the place you bought the item from might give you a replacement, you'll still have to pay for the replacement labour (which is usually more than the cost of the item). In the shower case, if we would have supplied it, then all the liability to replace …

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Do you offer a 3D design?

Yes, we can offer you a 3D design and renders to show you how your selected options would look like in your bathroom at no extra cost. We can offer multiple designs, until we find the right solution for you. Due to how long this process takes, a design takes at least 4-5 hours and sometimes it can take 10-15, so we only provide this service to customers that already accepted our quote. …

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Will a bathroom project increase my property’s value?

While only a surveyor can provide a specific figure, a new bathroom typically boosts property value by about 4-5%. Especially for properties over £150,000 with bathrooms older than 15 years, the added value can often surpass the refurbishment cost. It's a unique opportunity where you enjoy the upgrade and potentially profit when selling. Many homebuyers, who usually finance purchases through mortgages, prefer homes with updated bathrooms to avoid immediate renovation costs. A slightly higher …

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Why are your prices increasing?

We take pride in offering exceptional value for money, continuously ensuring our pricing reflects this commitment. However, due to rising operational costs, including energy, materials, and labor, we periodically review and adjust our prices. This approach allows us to maintain the high standards of service and quality our clients expect. We recommend engaging our services promptly to benefit from current rates, as these adjustments are an essential aspect of sustaining our business's …

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How long does the project takes?

We try as much as possible to minimise the time to completion. For residential it's very important to finish as soon as possible. In most cases, conversions take 6-8 weeks in total and extensions around 8-12 weeks. The size of the project will influence the total time, but having most of the trades in house means that everything is done quicker. …

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What projects can you undertake?

We consider those projects that help us improve our portfolio and, at the same time, we're confident we can do a profit with them. It's important to emphasise that these projects are not very profitable for us, we're better off doing something else (like bathrooms or kitchens). Most building warrant projects are stressful, involve a lot of paperwork and are considerably less profitable than other projects, despite being very costly to you. So why are we still doing this kind of projects? …

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Why are these projects so expensive?

There's a lot of building regulations that a building warrant has to take into account. Whether the total cost would be expensive or not is generally a matter of postcode. In expensive postcodes the costs of a large extension/conversion can be a small fraction of the total property value, whether in a less expensive postcode an extension/conversion can sometimes exceed the property value. …

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